BossK's recovery thread

[BossK]

Did you ice and elevate all night? Continue to do so all day. And make sure your toes are above you nose. I hope that will bring down the swelling. I remember how uncomfortable that was and hope yours comes down fast.

I have been so good about all of that, but I figure between the PT appointment and then (only) an hour and 45 min. at the ER was over 3 hours I was upright. The doctor's office finally called and said to remain as flat as possible today. Ugh. I feel like that's all I've been doing! I guess I'm still mentally comparing the last knee to what this one is doing.


Boss K
LTKR November 4, 2016
RTKR April 17, 2017

 

[KarriB]

Every knee is different, so try not to compare. Anytime you're sitting up at this point your TKR needs to be at least propped up. Letting it hang down will only create more swelling. Even at 2 months post op I propped my leg up on a chair or booth when I ate out.

 

[sistersinhim]

Good that your doctor finally called. It sounds like he knows you overdid it and need that bed rest. Do you notice your swelling going down any?

 

[Celle]

I'm glad you went to the ER. It proved there wasn't a clot and it set your mind at rest.

Spend a couple of days doing little else but rest, ice, elevate, and hopefully some of the swelling will come down.

 

[BossK]

The swelling seems to be coming down today. I did next to nothing yesterday. And today more of the same though I desperately want to wash my bedding and myself!


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[sistersinhim]

Good that the swelling is coming down. It's proof that less action is less swelling.

 

[BossK]

Indeed! I'm wanting to get back into my exercises, but I know I've got all the time in the world.


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[newlybionic]

You're doing what your body and your knee is telling you to. As time goes on you will start to increase your activity. In a few months you'll be ready to go with a nice pair of shiny knees.

 

[KarriB]

Yes, in a few months you'll have all the time in the world to exercise and work out. Do you have a friend who can help with the bedding? I'm a freak about changing sheets! My sister and bff did the laundry and switched out my sheets for me the first month.

 

[BossK]

I think when my family gets home I'll have them switch the sheets out. I love clean sheets, too. I'm on my own all day while they are at school.


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[Celle]

Good idea! Fresh sheets feel so nice.

 

[sistersinhim]

How are you making out on your own during the day?

 

[KarriB]

I folded the laundry my sister and bff did. I could do that while sitting/resting and it made me feel a little useful.

 

[BossK]

How are you making out on your own during the day?

Pretty well, actually. I've set up "base camp" on the main level of my house, so I'm only up to use the restroom, get water, and food. My family is usually home by 4:30, so I just lie here and watch bad tv. Really this knee is going much easier than the first one.


Boss K
LTKR November 4, 2016
RTKR April 17, 2017

 

[BossK]

I folded the laundry my sister and bff did. I could do that while sitting/resting and it made me feel a little useful.

I hear you- I washed my own sheets and threw them back on the couch, so I feel a little accomplished.


Boss K
LTKR November 4, 2016
RTKR April 17, 2017

 

[sistersinhim]

All that rest is so good for your new baby!

 

[BossK]

I know! I must say the swelling doesn't look quite so terrible anymore. My poor stomach though! The meds just tear it to pieces. It's the Tramadol, I learned last time, but I don't want to take anything more for the acidic feeling. I'll just keep eating Tums.


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[BossK]

Two week follow up today before the snow hits Denver!


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[KarriB]

I just saw that the Rockies are getting hit with a snow storm!

 

[BossK]

Are we ever! Two inches of snow an hour!
Got my surgical tape off today and it's not pretty! The bruising is unreal this time, but though I was warned by this PA that the second knee would be worse, I told her today I wasn't really finding that to be the case since the quadricep didn't go to sleep this time.


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